StarfrostedFox

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

@Birdboy@Azure Bubbles Yeah, we might be excited about the story. Ha ha! :) No pressure though. For either of you.

Wellspring Tavern: The Lich War

I'm very interested! This sounds like it could be fun! Count me in!

Edit: I'm planning on using a half elf wizard character of mine. :)

Theron Virell

Theron Virell
Age: 27
Race: Half-Elf
Alignment: Neutral Good
Class: Wizard (Scholar of Ancient Magic)
Height: 6’1”
Occupation: Traveling Mage, Linguist, Researcher of Lost Civilizations
Appearance: Theron is tall for a half-elf, but so thin that he often appears almost fragile beneath the heavy layers of his robes. His narrow shoulders hunch forward slightly, as though he is perpetually trying to make himself smaller in crowded rooms. Pale skin and long ash-brown hair give him a ghostly appearance, especially in candlelight where the sharp angles of his face become even more pronounced. A pair of soft silver eyes constantly dart around his surroundings, alert and anxious, rarely meeting another person’s gaze for long.

His robes are practical rather than elegant: dark blue fabric faded from years of travel, patched sleeves stained with ink and alchemical residue, and too many hidden pockets filled with scrolls, charms, and half-finished notes. Thin fingers twitch nervously whenever he speaks, often adjusting his gloves, shuffling papers, or clutching the wooden focus staff he carries everywhere.

The staff itself is taller than he is, carved from pale yew wood and crowned with a cracked crystal that flickers faintly whenever strong emotions overcome him.

Despite his untidy appearance, there is a strange charm to him. He carries the look of someone who has spent more nights beneath library lanterns than tavern lights. His clothes are worn, his boots perpetually dusty, and his hair often escapes whatever attempt he made that morning to tie it back. Yet there is a quiet dignity hidden beneath the disarray—a sense that every stain and patch tells part of a much longer story.

Personality: Theron is intelligent, observant, and deeply introspective, but plagued by a persistent lack of confidence. He tends to assume others are more competent than he is, even when evidence suggests otherwise. Conversations often find him apologizing unnecessarily, second-guessing his conclusions, or abandoning a good point halfway through explaining it.

He dislikes conflict and will go to great lengths to avoid arguments, sometimes remaining silent even when he knows someone is wrong. This tendency has led many people to underestimate him, mistaking his quiet demeanor for weakness.

Beneath the nervousness, however, lies an exceptionally determined individual. Once Theron commits himself to a goal, he becomes almost impossible to dissuade. His fear never truly disappears—it simply becomes secondary to whatever mystery, problem, or danger demands his attention.

When discussing subjects he loves, especially ancient magic, forgotten kingdoms, lost languages, or arcane theory, he transforms completely. His words come faster, his eyes brighten, and his usual hesitation vanishes beneath genuine enthusiasm. It is often the only time he forgets to be afraid.

Background: Theron was born in a modest border settlement where merchants, travelers, and adventurers frequently passed through. His elven mother served as a teacher and translator, while his human father worked as a cartographer. From an early age, he inherited both a fascination with history and a love of old books.

While other children dreamed of becoming knights or adventurers, Theron spent his days buried in records, maps, and stories of forgotten civilizations. His aptitude for languages and magical theory earned him admission to a respected academy of arcane studies.

Academy life, however, proved difficult. Though academically gifted, Theron struggled socially. His classmates often viewed him as eccentric, and his tendency to panic under pressure earned him a reputation as someone brilliant in theory but unreliable in practice.

Everything changed during an expedition in his final years of study.

While investigating the ruins of a long-lost magical civilization, Theron’s research group uncovered an ancient artifact bound to a damaged crystal core. The discovery triggered a catastrophic magical collapse that killed several scholars and nearly claimed Theron’s life as well.

The cracked crystal atop his staff is a fragment of that artifact.

Though he survived, the tragedy left lasting scars. Theron carries immense guilt over the deaths that occurred, believing that had he recognized certain warning signs sooner, the disaster might have been prevented. Since then, he has devoted himself to studying lost magic in hopes of ensuring such catastrophes never happen again.

His research eventually led him to references concerning the Darkmere. Several fragmented texts spoke of an ancient kingdom swallowed by the forest centuries before the rise of the Lich Lord Myr, a civilization rumored to possess magical knowledge thought lost to history.

Theron came to the Wellspring seeking information rather than adventure. He intended to interview travelers, gather maps, and perhaps hire an escort into the safer regions of the Darkmere.

Unfortunately, every lead he uncovered pointed directly toward the growing threat at the heart of the forest.

Acquaintance: Arn Wolven

Several years ago, while researching forgotten trade routes through a remote border settlement, Theron became stranded after severe storms washed out the local roads. Forced to wait at an overcrowded roadside inn, he spent much of his time buried in notes and historical records.

Among the stranded travelers was Arn Wolven.

The two were never especially close, but Arn distinguished himself by doing something few others ever had: he listened. While many dismissed Theron’s lengthy discussions of ancient kingdoms and lost civilizations, Arn showed genuine interest. Over several evenings, the two exchanged stories and knowledge by the inn’s hearth. Theron translated an old inscription Arn had acquired during his travels, while Arn shared firsthand accounts of places Theron had only read about.

When the roads finally reopened, they parted ways without ceremony.

Years later, arriving at the Wellspring and finding a familiar face among the gathered adventurers brought Theron an unexpected sense of relief. In a room filled with strangers, seeing someone who had once treated him with patience and respect made the prospect of joining an expedition far less daunting.

Strengths
Exceptional memory for languages, symbols, and historical records.
Skilled researcher capable of uncovering connections others overlook.
Highly adaptable problem solver.
Patient and methodical when investigating magical phenomena.
Considerable magical talent despite lacking confidence in his abilities.
Empathetic and nonjudgmental listener.
Possesses extensive knowledge of ancient civilizations, relics, and arcane history.

Flaws
Chronic self doubt.
Tends to freeze when forced into leadership positions.
Easily intimidated by strong personalities.
Overthinks even simple decisions.
Neglects sleep, food, and self-care when absorbed in research.
Avoids confrontation whenever possible.
Carries unresolved guilt over the academy expedition and those who died there.

Habits & Mannerisms
Apologizes frequently, even when nothing is his fault.
Talks to himself while solving difficult problems.
Collects fragments of ancient texts and stores them in carefully labeled pouches.
Sleeps with books stacked beside his bedroll.
Taps the end of his staff against the ground while thinking.
Begins many observations with, “This may be completely wrong, but…”
Maintains meticulous journals documenting everything he learns.
Avoids prolonged eye contact unless discussing a subject that genuinely excites him.

Magic
Theron’s magic revolves around knowledge, preservation, and understanding rather than raw destruction.
His specialties include:
Arcane translation and deciphering.
Warding and protective enchantments.
Detection and identification magic.
Illusions used for study and communication.
Ritual magic tied to ancient civilizations.
Utility spells that aid exploration and research.
While capable of combat magic when necessary, he strongly prefers solving problems through preparation, ingenuity, and understanding rather than force.
The cracked crystal atop his staff occasionally reacts to powerful magical forces. Whether this is merely a lingering effect of the artifact or evidence of something far more significant remains unknown.

Goals
Uncover the truth behind the civilization that created the crystal artifact.
Translate a collection of fragmented texts recovered from ancient ruins.
Learn the true nature of his connection to the crystal.
Prevent magical catastrophes similar to the one that destroyed his research expedition.
Prove—to himself more than anyone else—that he is capable of making a meaningful difference.
Find companions who value him for more than his knowledge.

Quote
“I-I mean, it’s probably nothing. Just an ancient magical construct capable of catastrophic reality distortion. Nothing to worry about. Probably.”

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

I think that's great! It takes a lot of work to create an entire region.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

That much sleep sounds nice. Glad you got the rest! And thank you for your post! I really enjoyed it!

Agreed! Introduction posts are usually longer anyway. More so if the characters aren't together yet.

And thank you BB!

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

Yeah, of course. As long as you're not describing every detail of it, it's fine. Don't make us want to throw up. I hope you eventually got sleep. Insomnia sucks. I have it.

I get that Aisede. Sure, there's going to be times where our characters are alone, it happens in 99% of stories, but I personally thrive and enjoy the back and forth interaction and reaction of each others characters. It's where creativity truly shines. How well can I write supportively, progressively, interactively, and still be creative, inventive, and maybe funny or thought provoking. I'd like to say I've gotten pretty good over the years of doing this. I feel my partners are satisfied. :) That's always the hope.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

First post is up. I believe I edited it to the best of my ability. I hope you all enjoy! We can have our characters meet up with each other during the meet and greet before the tournament I imagine as they mingle before things get going. That way, we're not just writing fanfiction to each other.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

Late spring air heavy with the smell of flowers in full bloom perfumed the air just outside of Floroma Town. Among the delicate petals suspended on their stalks sat a young woman. Her legs were crossed, elbows planted on her knees, fists supporting her head up as she pressed them into her cheeks. She was young, in her early twenties, with glossy auburn hair that she had braided into a rope that hung down her back. It swayed slightly as her head turned a little, green eyes following the shape of a Combee buzzing busily over the flowers, the little bug Pokémon humming quietly to itself as it worked. She blinked her green eyes a few times, trying to focus on the beauty of the moment and not fall back onto her habitual list of to do's or studying. It was harder than she would've liked.

Unexpectedly, a look of shock and fright crossed the Combee's faces and it rocketed upwards, just as a dark shape exploded out from the flowers, dark grey arms reaching up to grab the other Pokémon before it could fly away. Fortunately for the Combee, she missed, the fox like Pokémon landing back among the flowers with a soft thump. The Zoroark lifted her head to watch the fleeing bug, a mischievous grin splitting her pointed muzzle before her and her bright red mane of hair disappeared back beneath the plants.

Maeve laughed. She didn't know whether or not Whisper had missed on purpose, but she wouldn't put it past her. Her Pokémon had probably seen her sulking and thought to lighten up the mood. Well, it had worked, no matter what the intentions had been behind it.

Straightening up and stretching out her legs, hoping to allow her 1 foot that had fallen asleep time to wake up before something else happened, Maeve looked for any of her other Pokémon that were out exploring the fields of Floroma. She had traveled to Sinnoh for a change of pace originally, but couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be a lot of activity focused in and around Jubelife City. She had tried not to pay too close of attention, but it was wired in her brain to notice things like this, indicators of something exciting happening. Her guess was that they were organizing a tournament, though no one she asked seemed to want to give her a straightforward answer. She had silently accepted their evasiveness, but was keeping an ear to the ground for any news of an upcoming competition.

Something solid collided with her before her foot had had a chance to wake up completely, sending a series of painful prickles through the appendage. Maeve managed through sheer force of Will to keep a grimace off her face as she wobbled, instinctively wrapping her arms around the Ampharos that had managed to approach her from the opposite direction she had been looking, the electric Pokémon having gone in for an affectionate hug that flopped half of her heavy body across her trainers lap.

"Bridget, careful. Don't knock me over," Maeve said with a huff of effort, releasing her Pokémon as she herself was let go and resigning herself to the physical contact as Bridget settled in next to her and put her head on her arm. She smiled though. She didn't mind the touch.

Gently rubbing the top of Bridget's head with her hand that wasn't trapped in the Pokémon's own, she had just caught sight of a low bodied Gastradon slipping out of a nearby flower patch, it's blue head turning to look at her with a calm smile when she noticed a human figure coming up the path. Being trapped where she was by Bridget, Maeve waved from her sitting position to the man she recognized as one of the people who helped out in the Pokémon center. He waved back, turning his walk into a light jog. Maeve caught sight of Whisper's sharp face peering out across the way, a gleeful expression brightening her features. Maeve gave her head a sharp shake and Whisper pouted. But it wasn't until a paw was placed on her back that the mischievous gleam in her bright blue eyes faded. She gave a disparaging look up at Atlas, the Lucario giving her a stern look. With a grumble, the Zoroark slipped away, probably off to pull a prank on one of the other Pokémon instead.

Taking a deep breath, Maeve tried to smother the grin that threatened to lift her lips. It would only serve to encourage whisper and her antics.

"Hey Maeve, glad I caught you before you headed off too far," the man said as he reached her, breathing slightly heavier from his light run.

"Hi Stewart," Maeve responded politely, smiling up at him. "How can I help you?"

"Well, I might have an answer for that question you had the other day," Stewart replied with a grin, waving a glossy purple envelope through the air. "This just came for you."

Maeve's attention sharpened, immediately focusing on the envelope in his hand. When he held it out, she took it and quickly looked over her own name embossed on the thick paper in loopy silver lettering, an elegant wax seal holding it closed. It was in printed with a stylized letter E.

"I got only a few of these for some trainers that had registered at the Pokémon Center in Floroma. You and two others. It must be special if the invitations are so exclusive and fancy."

"Must be," Maeve murmured, giving Stuart a distracted wave and thanks when he wished her good luck.

Bridget had mercifully released her other hand, so Maeve was able to break the seal on the back of the envelope, Harbor joining the Ampharos in watching as she pulled out a heavy piece of paper printed with more fancy words, gold this time. She read aloud for their benefit.

"Dear Miss Brennan, you are here by cordially invited to attend and participate in this year's Elite Tournament, an exclusive competition that will match the strongest and brightest Pokémon trainers from all over the world against one another. We ask that you and your Pokémon be present for the event that will take place in Jubelife City on May 23rd. The event will span the entirety of the following week and rooms will be provided in the adjacent hotel to the Battle Colosseum. Please check in the day before so that an accurate roster may be organized. We hope to see you there. Best regards, The Elite Tournament Committee."

So she had been right. Maeve hummed thoughtfully as she reread the invitation once more, before glancing up at her Pokémon. Atlas was looking at her intensely, the light of battle in his eyes. Bridget smiled, leaning in for another hug. Harbor was looking thoughtful, as if pondering on what was to come, but got distracted looking at a flower almost at once. A loud screech of excitement exploded from Tempest, the Talonflame having come closer when he had heard Maeve's voice. He spread his wings and swooped a few times overhead. Juniper peered out from the flowers curiously, a Kricketot blinking nervously at her side.

'Trust Juniper to have made a friend out here.'

Laughing at the clearly positive response from her partners, Maeve gave Bridget a gentle squeeze. "We'd better hurry then if we want to make it there by next Saturday," she said, making to get up.

Whisper chose that exact moment to explode out of the flowers again, tackling Tempest out of the air and sending them both tumbling away in a shower of petals, causing Maeve to dissolve into a harder fit of laughter.

Pokémon: Battles of the ascendant League

@Lord Frostecs I believe the battle frontier was technically located in Jhoto, but it was post game in platinum, heart gold, and soul silver.

And I like the imagery of the set up. Even if an architect would be horrified at what you just did, I think it sounds visually appealing.

Kalos would be rather fabulous, I really enjoyed playing through X and Y, as I've been writing the introduction though, Sinnoh has felt rather appealing. It might not be situated in the ocean, but I pictured something in the mountain ranges, tucked away out of sight. How does that sound?

@Aisede I believe in you! You made good progress with your character pretty quickly, so I'm sure the rest of the team will fall into place naturally.

The Valkyrie league is the other academy. We are the ascendant League. Or at least, we will be. ;)

Pokemon: Professor's Academy

I've been lurking here for several days. If you're still looking for one more player, I'd like to apply. If you aren't, then no worries. It was early enough I thought it could potentially still work.

August Pine

“Every Pokémon starts somewhere. Sometimes all it takes is the right environment, a little patience, and someone willing to believe in them.”

Full Name: Augustine Thelonius Pine

Age: 23

Year at the Institute: First Year

Favorite Color: Green

Thesis Subject: The Influence of Environmental Conditions and Social Bonds on Pokémon Egg Development and Hatchling Temperament

Appearance:

Standing at 6'3",, August possesses a lean build more suited for long hikes and fieldwork than battling. His dark green hair is perpetually windswept, often falling into his lighter green eyes that seem to sparkle whenever Pokémon are involved. His face is narrow and long, with a pointed chin and sharp cheek bones. His wardrobe consists of comfortable outdoor clothing layered beneath a well-worn Institute jacket with far too many pockets. Various notebooks, incubator sensors, berry samples, and Pokémon treats can usually be found tucked away somewhere on his person. A permanent smile seems etched onto his face, and he’s rarely seen without a clipboard or notebook tucked under one arm.

Personality:

August is relentlessly optimistic and approachable. He possesses an almost infectious enthusiasm that makes it difficult for others to stay pessimistic around him for long. While many students focus on battling applications or evolutionary research, August finds genuine joy in observing the earliest stages of a Pokémon’s life.

As a new student, he approaches the Institute with a sense of wonder and excitement. He eagerly asks questions, volunteers for research opportunities, and is always looking for chances to learn from more experienced classmates and professors. His enthusiasm occasionally gets him into trouble, as he tends to jump into projects before considering whether he has the time or expertise to handle them.

Though intelligent and hardworking, August is still developing his confidence as a researcher. He sometimes worries that his focus on breeding and hatchling studies is less prestigious than other fields of Pokémon research, but his genuine passion for the subject always shines through. He approaches both people and Pokémon with kindness and patience, preferring cooperation over confrontation whenever possible.

Bio:

August grew up outside Solaceon Town in Sinnoh, where the Pokémon Day Care quickly became a second home to him. While other children dreamed of becoming Champions, August spent his afternoons helping caretakers feed Pokémon, clean enclosures, and observe newly hatched Pokémon taking their first steps.

His fascination with Pokémon breeding only deepened as he grew older. He became particularly interested in why Pokémon raised in different environments often developed noticeably different temperaments or physical characteristics despite being the same species. Throughout his teenage years, he filled journal after journal with observations on Pokémon behavior, incubation conditions, and hatchling development. Local breeders and Day Care workers quickly learned that if an Egg needed watching, August was eager to help.

When he was 15, he came across a solitary egg that had been abandoned on a beach, or so it seemed. Remnants of other eggs lay scattered about the sand, fragments of shells and dimples of small feet pressed into the ground. He claimed the lone egg and began caring for it at once, using a fabric sling to carry it everywhere with him. When it finally hatched into the tiniest Slowpoke he had ever seen. It fascinated him to know why she had developed so small. She was healthy otherwise, just tiny.

Unlike many Institute students who arrived with extensive field experience, August's knowledge comes primarily from hands-on work at local breeding centers and Day Care facilities. Though he lacks the experience of some upperclassmen, his enthusiasm and dedication have already made an impression on both staff and fellow students.

After submitting a proposal centered on the relationship between environmental conditions and hatchling development, August was accepted into the Laventon Institute as a first-year student. He arrived on campus eager to learn from professors and researchers whose work he had admired for years. Though still new to campus, he has quickly gained a reputation for volunteering whenever Pokémon care is involved. Many students have already learned that if an Egg needs monitoring or a hatchling needs attention, August is usually the first person to offer help.

Now beginning his first year, August hopes to develop the skills necessary to turn his lifelong passion into meaningful research. While his thesis is still in its early stages, he dreams of one day creating a comprehensive framework demonstrating how environmental factors and social interactions influence Pokémon growth from the moment an Egg is laid until maturity.

Pokémon:

Research Team

Slowpoke, F, Nugget

The first Pokémon he ever hatched, Nugget is completely devoted to August. Though she doesn't feel she brings much to his research, she's happy that he keeps her around. Endlessly patient, she enjoys observing long before she makes any comments. She has a deep love for dried pineapple.

Chansey, F, Sunny

August's second oldest partner and the unofficial caretaker of his entire team. Sunny assists with monitoring Eggs and caring for young Pokémon, often noticing signs of discomfort long before he does. Her nurturing personality perfectly complements his research interests.

Fletchinder, M, Scout

Energetic and endlessly curious, Scout helps August travel between field sites and locate nesting grounds. While not yet fully evolved, he is dependable and always eager to help with research excursions.
Minccino, F, Poppy

An obsessive cleaner who keeps August's workspace remarkably organized. Poppy frequently helps prepare habitats for newly hatched Pokémon and seems personally offended by dust.

Quirks:

• Keeps meticulous journals documenting the first moments of every Pokémon hatchling he encounters.

• Can accurately identify many Pokémon species simply by examining their Eggs.

• Gives encouraging nicknames to almost everyone he meets, often forgetting to ask whether they actually like them.

• Carries emergency Pokémon snacks at all times “just in case.”

• Has never successfully walked past an Egg without stopping to inspect it.

• Gets visibly excited whenever a professor mentions breeding studies, Egg Groups, or environmental influence.

I hope it's okay I don't have a picture. I'm blind, so I can't find any with confidence it's what I want.

Also, is the dialog color an absolute must do? I dictate 99% of my writing and I know I'll forget.

Also, also, I couldn't help but name him after a tree. It's classic. ;)

Between Lessons & Lies

Her statement meant that Giselle probably hadn't realized the full implications of their situation as of yet. There would be no reaching out to get in touch, because he'd always be there. They were essentially Velcro and cotton, inseparable unless a great deal of effort was put in. He wondered if that would make her mad. Tightening his lips slightly, Ronan followed her to the door and left when she held it open for him, his gaze immediately falling on the three people he had been hoping wouldn't be there.

Senator Hunt lit up with all the practiced flare of one who was conscious about his image when on camera. "That is so good to hear. You are very welcome," he said stepping forward and making a great show of wrapping his arms around Giselle in a hug. "We can't have anything untoward happening, now can we?"

Ronan held his tongue, stepping in close to one of the secret agents near the senator and leaning into whisper in his ear. After a moment, the man nodded and pulled an object out of his pocket. He handed it over and Ronan stepped back, holding the extra Ferriday bag in his hand.

Seeming to want the last word in the situation, Senator Hunt began walking towards the office door, flanked by his security. "Stay safe my darling daughter. Until I see you again." And just like that, he was gone, leaving behind nothing but a faint whiff of expensive cologne and whiskey.

Bracing himself, Ronan turned towards Gisele, gaze sweeping over her face to gauge her reaction. Silently, he held out the bag for her, offering a convenient distraction should she need it.